Mozart – Rondo allo Calypso

CD310

Mozart/Lynch

Rondo allo Calypso

Two Flutes and Piano

Grade 6

4′ 30″

The calypso is a vocal form from the Caribbean, notably Trinidad and Jamaica. It is most closely associated with Carnival and the period leading to it. Lyrics are important and typically comment on social conditions in a witty manner. Instrumental backing is characteristically provided by a steel band.

Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca constitutes the finale of his piano sonata in A (K331), which dates from 1779. The first movement is a set of variations and the second movement is a minuet with trio. This is the second FlutePlay edition of this piece; the piano part now simplified, whilst keeping its essential function of supplying bass line, harmony, groove and various rhythmic counterpoints. So it still has plenty to do!

The flute parts are not difficult; the emphasis should always be on rhythmic feel and ensemble, not on speed. The performance will also be effective in direct proportion to the realisation of the dynamics, which are explicit and fairly copious. No decent Grade VI player will encounter any insurmountable problems. Repeats must be played, as the music will not have time to settle otherwise. Much faster than one hundred beats per minute is not recommended.

Several time signature changes are present to add some extra rhythmic spice. The piece builds up near the end with lots of calypso but hardly any Mozart. He may be turning in his grave, but this should have everybody else dancing in the aisles!

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